Law on “wills in law” in action: Another so-called “spy” at the Zaporozhye correctional institution received suspicion of spreading criminal influence
A criminal authority faces up to 15 years in prison.
It should be recalled that criminal liability for the establishment or dissemination of criminal influence by a person who is in the status of a subject of increased criminal influence, including in the status of “villain in the law” has entered into force in Ukraine since June last year, after the adoption of relevant amendments to the legislation. Since then, the police have had a powerful tool with which it became possible to effectively counteract such persons, and thus bring them to criminal responsibility.
Operatives of the Department of Strategic Investigations in the Zaporizhzhya region of the National Police together with the investigators of the regional police documented the illegal activities of a person who is in the status of a subject of increased criminal influence. As established by the police, a man born in 1996, having connections and support from criminal representatives, received the so-called status of a “spy” in the correctional colony, and then began to appoint his assistants. Because of the latter, he controlled the observance of “thieving” traditions and forced dependents to participate in gambling. In case of non-compliance with the requirements, psychological and physical pressure was exerted on the convicts.
In addition, the “watchman” personally coordinated and facilitated illegal channels of entry into the colony of prohibited substances, was engaged in collecting and distributing funds from the so-called “commune”. He also acted as an “arbitration judge”, resolving disputes between convicts.
Operatives and investigators collected substantiated evidence, which became the basis for reporting to the so-called “sleeper” suspicion of establishing and spreading criminal influence in places of imprisonment — Part 2 of Art. 255-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Now the “criminal authority” can face up to 15 years in prison.
Procedural guidance in criminal proceedings is carried out by the Zaporizhzhya Regional Prosecutor's Office. Exposure and documentation activities were carried out with the participation of correctional staff.
